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Post by Sorrum on Jan 29, 2020 22:33:06 GMT -5
- Arc 4 Recap -
After suffering defeat from the blight mage and being left in the dark by their dragon comrades, the elf Aqua announced her plan to leave the city of Eulene and head home to The Frontier, her homeland. She invited Terra, Arne, Hien, Alriik, and Rion with her. Without any reason to stay in Eulene, they accepted. However, when Aqua called her father Itham on her visor, he warned her to stay away as strange news came from the countryside of the dead walking the earth. Certain that this was the work of a Blight mage, the party could not ignore the chance of their comrade's homeland becoming another wasteland at the hands of their enemy. The party gathered it's strength, repaired their equipment, said their goodbyes and set out the next morning.
However they would not be travelling on foot. The jolly businessman Mr. Honeyfarm requested the protection service of the party of mages for his carriage, having seen several of it's members go toe-to-toe with the champion fighter Yung Fueg. The group would stop at the Eulene River bank, where Alriik would spar with the driver Buck. Though no bad blood flowed between the fighters, Alriik suddenly became unstable, ending the fight on a mysterious note. The warm weather began to chill as the temperate forest became a thicket of pine, and finally the scenery birthed the ocean and the bay city of Shiner's Bay.
After parting with Honeyfarm, the party found it's way to Icarus' Landing, the most cutthroat and slimiest bar on the docks. No sooner had Terra approached the bar that a man's hand approached her backside, landing a swift combination from the fire mage which enraged his group of thugs. The mages made swift work of the gang and gained the attention of a merchant ship captain heading for Sandora, the southern port town of The Frontier. They had lucked out quickly, but unluckily as the infamous Calico Jack was in the shadows along with the mysterious Captain Drake and the man from the Eulene Festival, Vile Rai.
Terra and Alriik had split from the rest of the group and began to open up about their pasts, until Terra noticed eyes on her in the city. The House of Lords had eyes in the bar that followed her to the streets, and hope that escaping to the isolated country The Frontier went up in ash. Aqua and her would trade outfits, throwing off the members of the House that would come after the fire mage while the elf disappeared into the streets. But the bounty hunters were cunning and struck a deal with Calico, who'd conceded that extra hands would be helpful when he'd be kidnapping "the princess" Aqua.
The next day, the group assembled aboard The Shepherd, a rather large trade galley carrying variety goods to the trading port of Sandora. The ship set sail within minutes of them boarding, and the party was on it's way. Within the ship's halls the girls would encounter none other than Vile Rai, who'd somehow avoided being noticed while the two exchanged armor. While avoiding the subject about seeing them change, he told them he was in fact an Arch Mage, but to be prepared as trouble was ahead. Meanwhile, Alriik nursed a major hangover all the way up in the crow's nest, where eventually he'd be tended to by Vile and Rion.
The ship was half a day's journey away from the port when the sky grew dark, and the clouds converged on the ship like a thick fog. Aqua cried for the crew to ready itself for battle just as Calico's ship drifted in from the darkness and rammed the ship starboard. Pirates decked out with savage machinery that'd improve their movement and reflexes jumped onto the decks of The Shepherd and attacked, but were soundly repelled by the mages combined powers.
The thugs from the Landing in Shiner's appeared but could hardly fight, their bodies quickly melded with the machinery left them in shock, gaining pity from Aqua and Terra alike. The fire mage launched herself into the hull of the attacking ship and destroyed their port side cannons, but then was attacked by Calico's special attack force who'd been outfitted for taking down fire mages. She'd escape their efforts, only to be cornered by the bounty hunters of The House of Lords who'd nearly kill her, knocking her into the turbulent waters of the sea, but not before unleashing a science experiment aboard the dread captain's ship. She would have drowned below if not for Rion spotting the girl.
Inside The Shepherd, Vile quickly destroyed a pirate and donned his attire. In the captain's quarters, the mysterious Lloyd downed the pirates who'd come after Captain Waverly. Alriik had been knocked into the waters himself, but memories of his past flooded his mind and he'd quickly turned into the most deadly force in the battlefield, burning his silver blood and striking down enemies left and right. Arne devised a plan to blow away the thick fog, but his efforts were noticed by Calico who'd strike him down with a cannonball.
Aqua, seeking blood, crossed the ship to face Calico head on. She'd demanded of him the location of her long lost friend Prince Frederick of Berseria, but the captain laughed at her and called the whole force down on her. The mages would convene on her location and keep the pirates at bay. Just as soon as their battle had started, the elf gained a decisive strike on the captain, forcing him to retreat early. In his stead, a mysterious figure appeared to guard his escape. The man was none other than Vile, disguised as one of Calico's men. He easily buffered the combined attempts of Aqua, Terra, and Alriik to take him down, but following a heroic sacrifice from Alriik the others rushed him one last time. Their attacks whiffed, but Rion's beam of light struck the ship's mast, which teetered and fell, smashing the ship and leaning it. Terra's destruction of the ship's hull had hit low, and now it's lower levels began to flood as the ship leaned dangerously.
As Aqua reached for the ship's inner workings, a new foe appeared, this time a large robotic foe boasting severe power and speed. He was the leader of the gang from Icarus, the one simply nicknamed Skinny. He angrily cursed at Aqua and Terra, blaming them and their friends for what happened to him. The elf escaped below deck while the others made simple work of the enemy, despite his arsenal. However, Aqua would only find that Calico had escaped by use of a life boat, as were other pirates at this point.
Suddenly, Seamus called for their swift return to the ship. A dimension storm was approaching, but it was already upon them. A beam of the storm grabbed the pirate ship's fallen mast and in it's path knocked Skinny well overboard the ship and over the opposing side of The Shepherd. The mages would rendezvous and escape the sinking ship thanks to Terra building them a path, but the ship wouldn't move. Aqua would find Skinny holding the ship down by throwing out its anchor. He'd laugh just one more time before Aqua smashed him and his metal body down into the sea below. Ultimately his effort was successful, as the ship was pulled from the sea and into the sky, away from the world and across dimensions.
There, in space, they floated helplessly until they were saved by a mysterious force. The ship would land in another world entirely, docking at the nearest city and the mages aboard would take part in The Slagveld Belt Dial Tournament. Here, they met several warriors from the different realm and made fond memories. They would also be reunited with Dr. Lucas Boltin, if only for a short time. For a moment, they crossed paths with Yung Fueg, but the fighter had no recollection of who they were.
Alder, a ham sandwich toting scientist, explained that the party would be able to return home if they sailed back to where they'd landed previously. They bid them farewell and headed back, and sure enough another storm appeared, this time taking them back directly to the site of the ship's battle, albeit at night.
The crew began celebration when the Sandora Lighthouse came into view. Glad to be alive after all they'd endured, the mages and sailors happily celebrated together, their party extending into the venues and hotels in the port town. However, their celebrations would soon end, as the Blight Mage and their destiny waited just beyond the horizon...
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Post by Sorrum on Jan 29, 2020 23:03:52 GMT -5
The waves in the Sandora Sea shook in strange ways. Sudden high waves would strike the boat and bite at the sailors on deck. "Never seen anything like it," one would say. It was a fishing ship, equipped with a crane that would snatch fish by the hundreds with it's net. But this crane was different; it was bigger and stronger than this line of work really required.
These men were scavengers. They'd follow the trails of gunpowder and burning ships and scavenge the battlefield for anything they could sell. Often pirates would take things of high value but leave the trade supplies to sink with it. Sometimes they'd find nothing but produce, other times valuable crafting material and minerals, and a free keg of ale never hurt anyone's feelings. They'd accomplish this better by use of a sonar, something they'd gotten a hold of by finding a trashed pirate ship with fancy technology inside.
They'd come upon something else. This time something looked like it was moving in their direction, but it could have been the waves throwing it off. They heard about the dimension storm, saw the thing in the distance. Could be that doing it. But to the eyes of these dream chasers, they got closer and closer.
The crane soon dipped below the waters and sought it's prize. It strained, but eventually started reeling. From the depths the metallic body rose and broke the surface of the waters. They had pulled out some kind of metal body. They weren't sure what they were looking at. Looked like some kind of metal man. They turned and looked at each other with awe. Someone would definitely pay big money for this.
Once the metal man was on board, they'd notice another man in it's center. A human man, his torso and legs and forearms withdrawn into the machine. Skinny's head hung low, while the knight laid inactive on the ship's deck. Concern grew among the scavengers. They had no idea if this thing could be dangerous.
They'd have their answer soon enough. The man began to stir, his eyes opened and a reddish glow appeared from them. The metal body twitched, and somehow without it's power source began to rise. The scavengers panicked and fled the titanic robot. The crane's operator swung the hook at the machine, attempting to knock it overboard, but it would be slashed from it's chain by the screeching buzz saw arm.
The Steam Knight whirred with steam as it cut down the scavengers. Soon, it would direct the ship's sails north, heading for Sandora. Quietly, the giant drifted on the waves among the corpses, examining the different parts on board and equipping them to his frame.
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Post by Sorrum on Jan 30, 2020 14:15:23 GMT -5
Although the journey had been short it was still arduous. Much like the partying sailors ability to celebrate would prove to be. Lights dotted the horizon as Port Sandora appeared and the city beyond. As they came into the bay, they could assess the city better among it's lighting.
The docks of Sandora were kept in well repair. Even in the dead of night, men and women could be seen working on the piers from such small jobs as inspection to complete replacement. The roads were made of pale red cobblestones, the buidings of stone and quartz-rock, and the elves and humans doing trade dressed well as they'd haggle with rough sailors fresh off the seas. The port stretched far, but not quite as far as they had seen in Shiner's Bay. Navigating through the boats idling in the bay would be a rough task if Seamus hadn't reserved his spot on the pier.
Sandora was a city with gates separating it from it's port. Local citizens were allowed the right to do trade with sailors bringing exotic goods, but sailors would need to attain proper paperwork and financial support from a member of the nation's government to enter the city. Itham Nyharllothor, head of Nyharllothor House and the leader of the House of Elves was one such individual. This agreement was not so easily given, as The Frontier's government would continue to keep it's borders relatively on lockdown. Raiders from the Northern Wastes, an archipelago of barely hospitable islands to the north would attack the port of Meribia, the nation's Capital, on a near daily basis.
Similar to Eulene, the port was alight with lamps, but a much brighter light poured from them. "Night Fly colonies are inside those glass domes at the top of the poles. They shine their lights looking for mates and congregate around the type of berry bush grown at the top. The white light come from the females, and the yellow from the males." Aqua slurred an explanation to her friends, to those interested. They were finally here, so now she wanted to talk about it all.
"The fire at the top of Sandora Lighthouse is actually produced with an oil based around their light, hence it's white-yellow color." Aqua stated. "A half-elf named Timothy Harkins made observations about these bugs while researching the berry bush and it's mild toxic effects. Eating one can blur one's vision, eating too many can blind you temporarily, but distilling the berry's juice with wheat and Snowflower, which grows in East Remorse Valley, makes a potent growth formula used by nature mages in the Crystal Forest Greenhouse on crystals like the ones on Sharksbane."
As the ship docked, Seamus called out an order. All hands were free to enjoy themselves at the restaurants and bars and hotels for the evening but report back in the morning. Another celebratory cheer filled the deck. Seamus personally dropped the ship's bridge, letting the men and women take their leave into the city.
Vile, who'd avoided everyone for most of the party, hung back. He'd felt successful avoiding Calico's detection, but as far as the other mages go he wasn't sure sticking around them in this moment would be a good idea. He had a mission to see through: to find that man. The Frontier was a hard area to get into. He'd gotten this far, and he had connections, so it would be best to lay low. Seamus noticed the man as he opened a door and disappeared into the ship. He couldn't recall seeing him in the fight against the pirates despite his claim to be an arch mage. He wouldn't be paying him or helping him get anywhere else, the freeloader.
The party found themselves at an inn. Aqua was starting to reel in her senses now that they were off the ship and things were quieting down. The sailors had spread out so only her and the party remained together, not that they didn't follow the group around as they bought them meals and drinks. She felt like a hero, but had enough of their generosity. It was time to sleep. She bid goodnight to the others and retired.
~
The next morning, the sound of traders bickering and equipment moving filled the atmosphere. Aqua awoke in a pile of pillows in her bed, her armor tossed aside on the floor as she remembered just falling into bed asleep. The woman slowly rose and donned her armor again, then headed down toward the hotel lobby.
"One of them sailors came by off The Shepherd, said he'd seen you all gone to bed and offered to pay your way for 'saving his life.'" Looks like you had a fun journey huh Captain?" the elderly elf attendant standing at the register said. He'd look up again, this time noticing Aqua's cape. "That.. that cape." He eyed it closely, then looked at her face under the winged helmet. He hadn't been the one who checked them in last night, so surprise filled his face as he realized just who was in front of him. "Y-you're Frida Nyharllothor!" Aqua shrugged, her face in her hand.
"Yes, I've returned to The Frontier two years prior to my scheduled return." The man scrambled to his wallet and pulled out a sheet of paper. The bill had on it a portrait of none other than Aqua, and now she stood in front of him.
"My word. This.. this is an honor!" He said. Aqua didn't know what to say. "Princess Nyharllothor. Or at least that's your nickname, daughter of the Queen and Founder of The Frontier."
"I'm not a princess. I'm just like you or anyone else, sir." Aqua stopped him short. "I haven't been through Sandora in several months, can you point me to the Immigration Office? I've returned with company and I'll need them to be processed for entry past the checkpoint." At this, the man raised his eyebrow.
"Miss Nyharllothor, I'm not sure if you're aware of this but the border has been locked down. The House of Man passed a bill last month to prohibit anyone from entering the nation past these docks. And your father.. has been arrested."
"What!?" Aqua shouted. She grabbed the man by the collar and pulled him over the checkout counter. He yelped and raised his hands in defense. "You're lying! My father is a founding member of this country and stands at the top of the elfen government! What could possibly have happened!?"
"I'm sorry I'm sorry!" The man pleaded. Aqua regained her composure and sat the man back on his feet. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you didn't know. Uh. Last week in the news your father was arrested at House Nyharllothor and was jailed at Meribia Prison. Many expected him to be released immediately but lately odd occurrences have caused friction between the houses. The House of Man accused Itham of neglecting the problem or being aware of it and mishandling it. I'm sorry we kind of do our own thing down here in the port, you'll have to find out more in the city.."
Aqua paused, unaware what to think. Calico got in her way before but he was something she could hit to make go away. This was another problem altogether. The girl's brain racked for an idea, before the man spoke up again. "I.. I also heard that the decision wasn't a popular one and added to the tension between the houses.. I think they're having him appear in the court in a few days."
"How many?"
"3, I think is what I heard."
"I have only three days to get to Meribia.." Aqua thought. "Tell me where the Immigration Office is. I won't be walking into Meribia without them but walking in with illegals isn't going to make us look good."
"Certainly, ma'am.." the man said, opening a drawer in his desk and withdrawing a map. He studied it for a moment before withdrawing an ink and quill, circling two locations on the map.
"It's east of here. Once you pass the gate leading into Sandora Square it'll be the blue building with green shutters and a red roof. It will also have a sign saying "Immigration Office" on it." He said, handing Aqua the map. Aqua nodded, studied the map herself for a moment before folding it up and putting it in one of her bags.
She'd turn around and see that her party had gathered behind her and had been watching for some time. She paused for a moment, scratched her head and looked away. "I guess you all heard that, huh? So I won't have to explain anything then?"
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Post by Vic Alriikerson on Jan 30, 2020 15:56:18 GMT -5
Alriik would have spent the night before alone, having drifted away from his group to get some precious time alone. By the morning, however, Alriik was awake, ready, and active. He thought maybe it a good idea to try to talk to Aqua, see if he could get the party together. Have a moment to really let everyone talk about their history, their skills, etc. It'd be a good team building exercise... And a great way to get this damn speech out of his head without it being too awkward.
But by the time he had met with Aqua, she was already talking with another man, with rather dire news. He'd wait for her and the man to finish talking. Once she spoke out, he'd respond matter-of-factly. "Meribia. 3 days. Father's trial. Meet you at the Immigration Office, need to go pick up a wig."
... And with that, he was off.
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Post by Sorrum on Feb 2, 2020 21:42:32 GMT -5
The night had passed. With Sandora well behind him, Vile crossed through the countryside on foot with the sun high above. Sneaking off the ship was easy enough, and with his speed the sentries at the border gate were too. He actively used his magic to push himself faster, hurrying over hills and valleys at a breakneck pace that would take normal travelers days, or weeks. He'd reach the capital in just a few hours, then he'd have to track down an old friend. Though he was worried she'd be adverse to lending him aid, it would be nice to be reunite just for one day.
What was she doing now, he wondered? She was good at just about anything and fighting was something she excelled at. Though if she'd taken on an education role or worked in the health field that would also suit her, given her overbearing nature. He didn't really know how life worked for those lucky enough to live here. He wondered himself about these things from time to time, just to take his mind off the search.
He crossed through a forest and up a large hill, slowing down as the brush grew thick. He could feel a breeze coming just from beyond, but something ahead attracted his eye. After clearing the brush and coming through, he stared in awe at the sight before him. He indeed had reached the capital, just seeing the statue overlooking the city for the first time was astounding. He climbed atop a nearby boulder to see the statue unobstructed. It was truly magnificent. However, this was no time to sight see. He'd enjoy the sight for another moment before resuming his run. The glyphs once more appeared on his body, coating him in a purple light that soon disappeared. He kicked off from the boulder, cracking it down the center and shattering it as he headed toward the city.
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Post by Bloodbane on Feb 3, 2020 21:36:25 GMT -5
Rion stared quietly at the lighthouse as Aqua explained the Night Flies, before eventually looking over to her with a brief chuckle. "Night Flies, huh... that's rather ingenious, using an animal with a natural lighting ability..." he gave a faint smile, seeming to finally ease into the situation he found himself in. At this rate, they still had the rumors of blight-based corruption to deal with, but until they could really see such signs of them, he had little to be concerned about. Of course, there was some concern still in the back of his mind; with Silver having disappeared after the battle involving the zombified dragon, it was down to him to search for another way to deal with the blight once more...
... But for now, he would enjoy the victories this team had earned, both in this world and the other.
When Aqua mentioned a "Crystal Forest", Rion tilted his head. "A crystal forest? You mean there are other places where crystals are grown...?" he asked, having only heard of the phenomenon in the case that Logan had shown, having focused his light magic through a special crystal over time and storing the crystallized essence in a cave-like space. His thoughts lingered on what Logan had told him; that the catalyst for the healing chamber had been formed using the power that Rion had inherited from his mother. He wondered about the crystals given to him and the others by Silver's dragon friend Celestrus, and whether there was a way for him to do the same someday, but before he could even begin to attempt such feats, there were other factors to be concerned about.
When the party had settled into the inn, he simply gave a quiet farewell to his comrades and went to bed without lingering.
~
The next day, Rion met up with the others, and though he had expected a certain kind of reaction to the locals in Aqua's presence, what was said between Aqua and the attendant caused him to blink a couple of times. 'She mentioned having a reputation... but she's really the princess?!' It certainly did not help Aqua's attempt to downplay the moniker when in her indignation she claimed her father was a founding member of the country and at the top of the government, and as a result Rion had to turn his head slightly to keep from letting a laugh escape in the midst of the situation.
When all was said and done, Rion crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. "I imagine we'll need to get a move on, then... and I figure you know the area better than anyone, so please lead the way." He looked over, seeing Alriik decide to head his own way, and though he raised an eyebrow he gave a brief wave. "Um... seeya there, then?"
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Post by Swim on Feb 4, 2020 5:24:13 GMT -5
As the crew celebrated Terra allowed herself one glass of honeywine and tried her best to match the enthusiasm of her friends. Just like in Shiner's Bay, Terra felt it wasn't a good idea to drink excessively. By this time she had unshakable faith in the friends she now traveled with, and after the harrowing experience they'd just been through that trust was extended to Waverly and his crew. She didn't want to dampen their high spirits as they went about their merriment. The crew by now held the mages in high regard, it looked like all of her friends had a circle of excited admirers. The only one standing by themselves was... Vile. Terra observed the lightning mage at a distance as he quietly consumed some of the food that had been prepared. He seemed to notice Terra's eyes on him, quickly finishing his plate and exited the room.
Terra politely excused herself from the conversation circle and made to follow the lightning mage. She moved swiftly across the room and pushed through the doors, crashing into Lloyd as the man came into the room and causing him to drop his plate. "I'm so sorry!" Terra apologized hastily, kneeling down to clean up the mess she'd made.
"It happens," said Lloyd as he drew out a handkerchief and gingerly began to pick up the pieces of glass. "No harm, no foul. Where were you off to in such a hurry?"
"I was trying to catch up with Vile," Terra replied, remembering that Lloyd had been with Waverly when they'd pulled her out of the water. "I wanted to ask him again about what he was doing when the pirates attacked. He said he was on the bridge protecting the Captain."
Lloyd narrowed his eyes. "Our 'arch-mage' said that eh? Well that boy sure says a lot of things, don't make them all true though. I was actually with Waverly the whole time and I don't recall seeing that pink haired joker. Cowering under his bunk I expect." Terra felt a little better having Lloyd validate her suspicions, but if she was correct about Vile then he had been very much in the thick of the fray. "You and your friends though," Lloyd continued, "Seamus is thanking his lucky stars right now that he picked you all up. You lot have some guts. Especially you-" he said looking her over carefully. "We saw you launch over the gap all by yourself into the enemy ship, what were you thinking jumping into that nest of vipers?"
Terra looked at him wondering if this was a rhetorical question. "The Shepherd wasn't going to survive another volley, someone had to disrupt their firing line before their cannons ripped us apart. I did what any of us would have done if they'd been there." Lloyd looked conflicted by her response. Maybe he wouldn't have jumped the gap, which was fair, it wasn't his job to begin with. Hopefully she hadn't just offended him. "Anyway, my friends and I were hired to protect this ship," Terra said, attempting to change the subject and gestured to his gun. "But I heard you were a big help on the bridge, decided to be a soldier and not a bystander yourself."
Lloyd sighed. "You hope you'll never have to use it," he said gravely, "But when the chips are down it's true, I'd rather not be the dead man. I suppose you're right, we do what we have to do."
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By the time she'd finished speaking with Lloyd, Vile was nowhere to be found. Terra eventually gave up and went to rejoin her friends. By now Frida was excitedly chattering on about the type of insects that powered the lights all around the port. Terra noted that the elf seemed to be slurring her words slightly and silently decided that she was going to stay by her friend's side just in case she's had a little too much to drink. Regardless of Frida's level of inebriation, the girl's enthusiasm was contagious. Terra couldn't help but smile as she watched the elf's face flush with excitement as she described all sorts of details about her home. It was adorable how happy she was to be back. Terra remained close in case she needed support as the party made for the nearby inn to bed down for the night.
~
Morning came quickly but Terra found herself well rested. Sleep had come more easily now that they were off that boat and back on solid ground. Terra sat downstairs and had some breakfast as she waited for the others to arrive one by one. When Frida came down her appearance elicited some commotion at the front desk, causing Terra to chuckle quietly. "That... that cape. Y-you're Frida Nyharllothor!" She smiled, supposing they would be probably be recognized from now on wherever they traveled in The Frontier. The clerk's next words however caused Terra to choke on her toast and whirl around in her chair. "Princess Nyharllothor? Daughter of the Queen and Founder of The Frontier?"
Until now Terra had assumed that Calico's nickname for Frida had been some sort of mocking jab, an inside joke between the two enemies. Was her friend actually a princess? The clerk had furnished a bill adorned with Frida's face, apparently the joke had been on her... Then Frida pulled the man over the counter. Terra jumped out of her chair in alarm and rushed over expecting a fight before catching the rest of their conversation.
So Itham had been arrested. Topics such as Vile, Frida's status as royalty, and even their strange adventure in another dimension would have to wait. Terra nodded to Frida, she already had her bags packed and ready. Alriik's abrupt departure didn't phase her, she'd heard enough about Alriik of Altiim to assume he didn't want to be recognized within the city. She was sure his reasons were valid and was confident that he'd find his way to the Immigration Office. "Lead on Captain Nyharllothor."
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Post by Tony on Feb 5, 2020 11:32:41 GMT -5
During the celebration, both Arne and Hien joined in the revelry of food and drink, though mainly just food for Hien. It was a good change of pace from all the chaos that happened earlier, so they both wanted to enjoy as much of it while they could. And the two couldn't help but smile while taking in the sight of the city as they approached and listening to Aqua happily rattle off trivia about her home land.
While at the inn at Sandora, Arne took time to try and make sense of all the events that occurred after the encounter with the pirates. After they dealt with the Steam Knight, beams of lighted pulled them into what seemed like infinite nothingness. That is until they ran into... something? Someone? He still wasn't quite sure what they saw there. A giant? A... god? And then there was everything that happened after that. Finding there way to Slagveld, a city none of the group has ever heard of. Those people he met there... the other Rion. What was all that? There's no way they could have been pulled into another world, that's something that only happens in terrible stories meant for children. But, he couldn't deny how real it all was... and how the others seemed to remember it as well.
He spent hours racking his brain, only to end up with even more questions and not a single answer. Hien had fallen a sleep some time ago, and the sight of his resting companion made Arne realize he wasn't going to get anywhere with this tonight and he should get some rest while he still could.
In the morning, the two headed down to the lobby of the inn, Arne being a bit groggy from not getting much sleep. His attention is quickly grabbed by Aqua speaking with someone, and them calling her "Princess Nyharllothor". He could tell that Aqua was someone of importance, but he never really imagined she could actually be royalty. Listening to the rest of the conversation, it seems that there next course of action was set. As Alriik summed up things rather succinctly before heading out on his way, Arne couldn't help but chuckle a bit. "Seems like we're in a bit of hurry, than. Less time standing around, the better."
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Post by Sorrum on Feb 6, 2020 10:10:45 GMT -5
Aqua blinked at Alriik as he walked out of the inn and into the town. "He.. should have some kind of identification already? I swear, this man sometimes." She shook her head, but gave the others a warm smile. They were ready to move just like that, and she appreciated their initiative. "We'll have to head there directly. We'll cross through Sandora and then the Crystal Forest. After that, it's just a days walk to Meribia. Before we go, though.." Aqua reached up and detached her cape from her armor, folded up the cloth and deposited it into one of her bags. Her armor looked somehow slimmer without the dark blue blanket behind it. "Won't go any faster with people stopping me left and right to talk about my heritage. Alright, let's go!" Aqua led the group of mages through the door after Alriik. Despite her rough treatment, the attendant called out warm tidings to the group as they headed out.
The port was rather busy; the shipment of goods The Shepherd had brought with it was being moved through the town on large carts that formed a train from it's dock to the respective city gate. The sailors pushed the carts on the sides with wooden rods four at a time, but had to stop and wait at the border for the client's workers to take the carts and return empty ones. The process had blocked up the paths, leading to congestion and altercations as the other sailors and merchants howled at them to move. Aqua sighed as the group came upon a particularly angry pack of traders trying to push the cart out of line to clear a path.
"This port has always been like this." She started. "This has always been a small dock but since it's been opened for trade it's like this almost every day. Some of these ships will sit in the bay for several days waiting to get up to these gates."
A high pitched whistle broke over the arguing men. Several elves and men in blue and gold attire, light body armor and helmets, entered the scene and separated the traders. The fight was over before it began as the traders broke off, yelling curses and slander as the pushy party was moved away from the gates. "Port sentries. They wear the same uniforms that our town guards wear and the same color as the navy, but here they mostly just push people away from each other. Any injuries or broken inventory cause these merchants to throw a fit."
While waiting for the path to clear, Aqua casually looked around for an elf wearing an atrocious outfit. Merchants who had setup stands sold to elves and men alike who'd come through the city gate. There was exotic fruits, fish, clothing, weapons, armor, ores, dyes, wood carvings and more that the peddlers moved. Over the briney smell of the ocean, wood stoves and grills wafted the smell of smoked meats into the air. There was a lack of formation in the stalls. While it wasn't rustic like Shiner's Bay, it was disorganized. Children in the area were always in the company of an adult, but they were rare.
After some time the path cleared enough that the group could proceed. Aqua had thought to just push her way through, but if it had led to the sentries getting involved that would once more be bad for her father. An ice bridge or anything else of the sort would scare the traders, thinking they might be getting robbed. They now stood in Sandora Square. The thin street shared by carts and merchants now opened into a broader area in front of a large border wall that ran the perimeter of the dock. From there they could see the city beyond it. The city sat beyond on a small cliff seperated from the port by a wide windy road built on the shifting hillside. Aqua smiled, seeing the city's skyline clearly for the first time. "We're almost there!"
The gate ahead was guarded by men in slimmer armor than Aqua's who each held halberds. They maintained a stoic watch on the carts that circled the square as the traders signed papers with the clients by their carts. Their weapons were not rusty nor bloody, but certainly this was the point where the sentries took a more serious tone. The square also lacked the merchant stands and was filled with more well kept buildings. Besides a bistro in one of its corners, they had official titles and jobs pertaining to the workings of the dock. Sure enough one of these buildings had a red roof, green shutters, and read "Immigration Office" on the sign above the door. There it was, but Alriik hadn't caught up to them yet.
"We'll just have to wait for him here, I guess."
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Post by Vic Alriikerson on Feb 6, 2020 13:49:10 GMT -5
Alriik would quickly wave to his friends as he left, and smiled as he walked off. He’ d get a head start and make his way towards downtown. He'd idly ponder what was going to happen… He imagined a lot of Aqua and other elves talking, him keeping his dumb mouth shut until it eventually devolved into violence, and then a big escape. Elves tend to be pretty good with magic, but he probably had the advantage if he got in the middle of a crowd… And maybe…
Stranger in a hood, sitting outside of a food stall. Drinking Tea. Flashes of silver from under the hood. Followed him on the boat? Waiting for him? He had been clear since Aldur… As he passed, the man would finish his drink and begin to follow from a distance. Blending into the crowd. Too many innocents here. Sh!t.
He’d pick up the pace, shoving his hands into his pockets and zigging, zagging through the streets. Any reflective surface he’d eye, attempting to spot his pursuer. They were getting closer. Running out of time. Alriik would quickly duck into an alleyway, and then walking around the corner, behind a shop. The cloaked man would follow. Turning the corner, the cloaked figure would see only a cobbled pathway with an open manhole cover to the sewer.
The cloaked figure would draw a knife that shined with the same color of Alriik’s longsword. He would slowly approach the sewer hole, peering down… Before he felt a pair of feet shove into his lower back, and a pair of hands wrap around his mouth. The man would feel the weight of a heavy body atop him carry him into the hole, down into the depths of the sewer. And then… the crunch.
A puff of smoke would briefly emit from the sewer as Alriik climbed out, covered in soot and sewage. He’d close the manhole cover, and sigh, muttering to himself. “Requiem Aeternum, Brother...” He’d make his way to nearby clothing shop, before paying a hotel to use their bathroom to clean. Burning his old clothes in an alleyway, he’d go to a nearby wig shop, and purchased a head long, brown hair. Tying his ears down in the hair, he’d make his way down to the immigration office.
Alriik would walk up to his friends in his new duds, a pair of beige cloth pants, a black t-shirt, and an open blue coat, with a head full of brown hair… And the only thing recognizable about him were the very obvious set of swords. “ Howdy strangers. Alan Richard Laurey, pleasure to meetcha.” He’d chuckle with an obviously put-on southern drawl.
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Post by Swim on Feb 7, 2020 1:07:41 GMT -5
Terra followed Frida as she lead the way through the crowded port. There was far more traffic this morning than there had been the night before. She was quite practiced at slipping through large crowds of people, but they were a large party and it wouldn't do to leave anyone behind. She admired the craftsmanship of the armor the port sentries wore, it was similar to Frida's though not quite as ornate. Still, it was well made and looked impressive on all of the soldiers. One day she hoped to learn how to craft fancy armor like that.
After reaching the immigration office they waited a short while for Alriik to catch up. The elf looked funny in his new clothes with his signature silver hair tucked beneath a wig. His swords were still worn openly and on full display, and in Terra's opinion clashed somewhat with his new outfit. "Glad you could make it Alan," Terra said and nodded toward the immigration office. She wondered how closely they'd be scrutinized inside. Terra didn't have any documentation to verify her identity, and they were all wielding weaponry. She looked over at Hien and smiled, wondering if this would be the first time the clerk would have seen a wyvern. If not he'd certainly draw some attention away from Alriik. Hopefully Frida would be able to use her authority to pull some strings and make this work. She wasn't sure what they'd do if it didn't.
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Post by Bloodbane on Feb 7, 2020 23:38:07 GMT -5
Rion chuckled a bit as Aqua removed the cape from her armor. He was a little surprised to find that her plan seemed to work, but perhaps that was a testament to the quality of the armor the other guards were wearing. From there, the group had done a pretty good job of staying together, aside from Alriik who had gone off to do... well Rion wasn't quite sure what, but that seemed to be something Alriik had made himself known for by now, so he shrugged it off and figured he would make it back to them somehow.
When they reached Sandora Square, it was easy enough to determine they were in a part of the town that was more for business than pleasure, causing Rion to look around somewhat cautiously. "All business that fast, huh..." he muttered, continuing to follow until they were all in front of the Immigration Office. Fortunately, Aqua and her guests would not have to wait long as soon enough they were approached by an initially unfamiliar man carrying rather familiar swords. "Well, nice to meet you Alan... mind if I call you 'Al'?" Rion asked with a slight smirk before looking over to Aqua.
"Well, think the gang's all here..." he stated as he looked and confirmed the rest of the group was standing around, finally looking back to Aqua. "Guess we'd best get going, Captain, we've got a long way by the sounds of things."
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Post by Tony on Feb 8, 2020 8:21:12 GMT -5
Traveling through the streets of Sandora, Arne constantly suppressed the urge to jump over the crowds of people... as that how he would usually handle this kind of situation when he was in a hurry. But, traveling with group now, that wasn't an option. Trying not to lose sight of anyone, Hien had forgone flying and decided to perch himself on Arne's head and shoulders.
As they reached the Sandora Square, and the crowd thinned out a bit, Hien took the air again. While the group waited for Alriik to rejoin them, Arne began to wonder how this process was going to go. He considered asking Aqua, but felt like an explanation just take some time and it would be faster just to find out first hand.
Arne raised an eyebrow at the elf's disguise as soon as he reappeared, still being recognizable due to his collection of blades, and had to stifle a laugh as he started speaking. "N-... Nice to meet you, Alan." Hien simply looked at Alriik, tilting his head in confusion.
Arne took a deep breathe to try and regain his composer... but couldn't rid himself of the grin on his face. He nods in agreement with Rion's comment. "Yeah. Hopefully we can get this all sorted out sooner rather than later."
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Post by Vic Alriikerson on Feb 8, 2020 9:38:10 GMT -5
Alan would look over his shoulder. “So, uh… I reckon with these I'm still… Less than inconspic-yis.” He'd sigh. “But, uh… Look, long as y'all keep 'em close-like n’ treat 'em nice, I should be able to keep my cool. So.” He'd unhook his sword harness, and swing it in front of him. “Think each'a ya can take one? Should make me a little less recognizable, and other n’ ol’ Angelheart, they ain't too heavy. First come first serve.”
He looked obviously nervous. But he felt this was the best way to keep a low profile. The rest of the group would see the swords up close within their sheathes. There was the big slab of metal vaguely shaped like a sword he handed Terra on the ship, and the katana that he let Rion hold onto. But also there was a saber the length of a longsword with an ornate rose-designed handguard. It seemed lighter than it should be, and was the same shade as Alriik’s blood. Finally were the two dragon-tooth blades, short swords forged out of the canines of a massive dragon. The hilts were oddly well made, well crafted from leather and iron. “The big boy’s Angelheart. The Eastern Blade is Shirosame. Axala’s Rose is the longsword and Ein n’ Zwei are the teeth. Say ‘hi’, team.” The swords would slightly shake as he spoke to them.
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Post by Swim on Feb 10, 2020 18:01:04 GMT -5
Terra accepted the massive slab of metal that Alan referred to as Angelheart and strapped it to her back. It was already familiar to her, the same sword she'd used to battle the Steamknight. The situation felt different now, probably because they weren't now involved in a fight. She took the opportunity to read Alriik's body language, it seemed excessive to be passing out all of his swords for safekeeping. The elf was trying to hide it but underneath the wig and his new clothes she could tell he was nervous, trembling even as he handed away his beloved weapons. "You're not just taking precautions," she observed quietly, looking Alriik directly in the eyes. "You're expecting some trouble. How can we help you?"
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